Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Where can I find financial information on Oxfam Canada?

Our goal is to continue to grow our financial resources and increase the impact of our programs. In this way, together we can help people living in poverty exercise their rights and improve their lives. For more information please visit our Finances and Accountability page.

For Oxfam resources and information in French, please contact Oxfam Quebec at oxfam.qc.ca or call 1-888-785-8023.

What are the benefits of donating to Oxfam Canada?

Your gift saves lives, creates lasting change, and tackles the root causes of poverty and inequality. Together, with your help, we mobilize the power of people against poverty. Your financial support brings hope to families facing hunger, poverty, and injustice in more than 90 countries around the world. You support disaster survivors to rebuild stronger than ever. You keep communities healthy by preventing the spread of disease. You provide safety from violence. You help farmers adapt to climate change and feed their families… and so much more.

Our most recent audited financial statements show that we spend at least 90% of funds raised from emergency appeals on our emergency response programs. The remaining 10% covers costs associated with advertising and promoting our appeals, processing and receipting donations, and audits and financial accountability. For all other combined income, an average of 77 cents of every dollar has helped to fund our development programs around the world. The remainder is spent on administration and fundraising costs, advocacy, or reserved for future program work.

How can I change the amount of my regular donation or my credit card details?

Thank you very much for your generous support of Oxfam Canada through a monthly gift. Your ongoing contribution is helping to change lives every day by providing communities with clean water, enough food to eat, an education, safety from violence and the chance to grow and thrive. If you would like to update your credit card details, change your payment information or if are unable to maintain your current contribution, please contact our Donor Relations Team at 1-800-GO-OXFAM (1-800-466-9326) or click here to send an update request over to our Donor Relations Team.

I’m finding it hard to make my monthly gifts – what can I do?

If times are tough, we certainly understand, and there are several things you can do. If you would like to continue support Oxfam’s life-changing work, but need to cut down on your expenses, we can reduce your monthly gift to something more comfortable. If you have a temporary situation that where you need to pause your gifts for a month (or a few), we can put a hold on your gifts and restart your contribution when you are ready. If are unable to contribute anymore, or wish to change from monthly payments to periodic giving, you can do that as well. For all of these changes, please contact our Donor Relations Team at 1-800-GO-OXFAM (1-800-466-9326) or click here to send an update request over to our Donor Relations Team.

Is my gift eligible for a tax receipt?

Yes, Oxfam Canada is a Registered Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and, as such, we are able to issue receipts for all eligible charitable gifts. For the most part, if you are an individual making a simple donation online or through the mail, your gift would be eligible for a receipt. If you are an organization, foundation or other, your gift may not be eligible for a receipt, and we are happy to connect with you to discuss before you make your gift. Please contact our Donor Relations Team at 1-800-GO-OXFAM (1-800-466-9326) or ac.ma1550845350fxo@s1550845350noita1550845350ler_r1550845350onod1550845350.

What is Oxfam Canada’s Registered Charitable Number?

Charitable Registration No. 129716866 RR0001

How do I get a tax receipt for a gift I have made?

If you have made a gift online, your receipt will be issued, by email, within 30 days of making your gift. Note that you will receive an immediate confirmation that your gift has been received, but your Tax Receipt will be sent through a separate email. If you made a gift by sending a cheque through a mail, a paper receipt will be issued and sent to you via post once your gift is processed. If you would prefer an e-receipt, please include a note and your email along with your cheque. If you are a Shareplan (monthly) donor, you will receive a consolidated tax receipt at the beginning of each calendar year. If you do not receive your tax receipt, please contact our Donor Relations Team at 1-800-GO-OXFAM (1-800-466-9326) or ac.ma1550845350fxo@s1550845350noita1550845350ler_r1550845350onod1550845350.

I’ve lost my tax receipt. How can I obtain a duplicate?

Thank you very much for your generous support of Oxfam Canada. Your support is helping to change lives every day by providing communities with clean water, enough food to eat, an education, safety from violence and the chance to grow and thrive. If you require a duplicate tax receipt, please contact our Donor Relations Team at 1-800-GO-OXFAM (1-800-466-9326) or ac.ma1550845350fxo@s1550845350noita1550845350ler_r1550845350onod1550845350.

We will happily accept donations over the phone at 1-800-466-9326 during business hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday ET) or via cheque sent to Oxfam Canada, Attn: Donor Relations, 39 McArthur Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1L 8L7.

Can I choose to donate money to a specific project, country or item?

When you donate to Oxfam, the money will be allocated to 'general funds' which allows us to focus on where the need is greatest and respond immediately to changing priorities and global situations. It is vital that we are able to spend money where it is most needed at any given time. However, it is possible for you to specify if you would like your donation to be spent on a particular emergency appeal or specific program by selecting the appropriate donate page.

You can buy a huge range of life-changing gifts through Oxfam Unwrapped, our unique gift-giving program, where you place an order online, choose a card, and transform lives. You can also call 1-800-466-9326 during business hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday ET). Thank you very much for your support in helping overcome poverty and suffering. For more information, please view the Unwrapped website here. Happy shopping!

Why do I receive more than one appeal in a year?

Most of our supporters like to hear from Oxfam Canada several times a year. Some respond to every mailing. Others simply like the diversity of opportunity and information, and selectively choose which mailing they wish to respond to, either by making a gift and/or by taking any pro-active action we may provide. When disaster strikes, Oxfam is known around the world for its ability to respond quickly and efficiently to deliver aid, support, and protection to people who’ve lost everything. Separate appeals are also made in these situations so that our supporters have the opportunity to contribute to specific emergencies and help those affected rebuild their livelihoods.

Why did you mail me? Where did you get my name?

There are several options as to why you received a mailing from Oxfam Canada

You have donated to Oxfam Canada in the past, either by mail or on-line, or purchased a gift through our Unwrapped program.

You filled out a membership application form online or at an event.

You have received a “prospect” appeal – a mailing sent to Canadians in the hopes that you will see what a life-changing difference you can make in joining the Oxfamily and supporting lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice.

As a general rule, Oxfam Canada will not externally disclose any of your personally identifiable information, except when we have your permission. Oxfam will be guided by the principles outlined in our privacy policy in the daily development, administration, management and evaluation of personal information in our care. Oxfam Canada may make individual identifying information available to affiliated third parties, and our agents for marketing purposes. From time to time, we agree with other likeminded organizations to contact some of each other's supporters, for the mutual benefit of both.

Membership

Why a membership fee?

Oxfam Canada is committed to an open and inclusive membership, encouraging its supporters to play an active role in support of its mission and its governance. At the same time, we recognize that under the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act, members have significant authority and powers. For that reason, we have a membership fee and members are required to renew their membership on an annual basis to ensure we have up-to-date contact information for effective communication with all members.

What does the $25 membership fee contribute to?

Most grassroots organizations – service clubs, political parties, unions – levy dues or a membership fee that provides revenues to support the work of the organization and defray the costs of maintaining and engaging the membership. Participation in governance is restricted to ‘members in good standing’: those who have paid a fee and kept the organization abreast of changes in contact information.

Do I get a tax receipt for the $25 membership fee?

No. The Canadian Revenue Agency stipulates that tax receipts cannot be issued for membership fees. For more information, reference the CRA’s guidance for registered charities here.)

I’m a donor. Do I still have to pay the $25 membership fee?

Members who donate $25 or more each month to SharePlan may have their membership fee waived on an annual basis as long as they continue to donate at or above that rate.

What if I cannot afford the membership fee?

Prospective members who cannot afford the $25 membership fee can ask that it be waived.

Who is eligible to be a member?

An Oxfam Canada member is any supporter, 13 years of age or older, who supports Oxfam’s vision and mission, has signed the Code of Conduct, has completed the registration process, and is approved by the Board for membership.

All members are encouraged to contribute to Oxfam's work by voting on governance matters, including elections for the Board, taking action in campaigns, volunteering, and donating as they are able.

How do I renew my membership?

Renewal is fast and easy. Members are invited to renew their membership online here or by submitting the required information in writing to:

MembershipOxfam Canada39 McArthur AvenueOttawa, OntarioK1L 8L7

Multi-year membership options are not being offered at this time.

How long will it take for my membership renewal to be approved?

Oxfam Canada will confirm your membership within two (2) weeks of receipt of payment and application.

What does it mean to be member of Oxfam Canada?

Oxfam Canada recognizes that it is through the joint effort of the organization’s members, Board and staff that the governance needs of the organization are met. Oxfam Canada engages and works with members to ensure effective governing of the organization.

Oxfam Canada commits to ensure that its members receive the appropriate information in a timely manner in order to be able to effectively participate in its governance.

Members participate in the organization’s governance by:

Nominating, contesting, and voting for elected positions

Participating in regional and national summits

Providing feedback to the Board of Directors on policies and priorities

And through approving:

Bylaws

Special Resolutions

Appointment of auditors

How will I know when to renew my membership next year?

Your annual renewal date will be one year after the date of your application. We will send you a renewal reminder by email (or by mail where email is unavailable) one month in advance of the renewal date.

If membership is not renewed before the renewal date, members will receive a further reminder two weeks after their renewal date has passed. Membership status will end one month after the renewal date if membership is not renewed.

What happens if I don’t renew my membership?

Membership status will end one month after the renewal date has passed, if membership is not renewed.

If you are not an Oxfam Canada member, you can still be a supporter! A supporter is a person who works in support of Oxfam programs, campaigns, outreach, fundraising, or administration on an unpaid basis.

Supporters may be engaged in a community or campus-based group; as part of an Oxfam event or activity, online, in a volunteer position based in an Oxfam office, in a specialized role working directly with staff, on a project committee, or in other ways. Visit our Take Action pages to learn more.

Note that members must be 18 years of age to be eligible for election to the Board of Directors.

Volunteering

How can I volunteer for Oxfam?

Volunteers play a key role in helping Oxfam achieve its mission to reduce poverty and injustice around the world, from office work, stewarding at events, campaigning, to hosting fundraisers. There are a number of ways you can use your time and skills to support our work. Some volunteer roles require only a few hours on a weekend while others involve a longer, ongoing commitment outside of office hours.We understand that your time is precious so we suggest that before undertaking any volunteer position you find out what the time commitment will be. Find out more about volunteering with Oxfam Canada here.

Can I volunteer overseas?

We do not have an overseas volunteer program as we support the work of local people and organizations overseas – encouraging community participation and building local capacity.

What skills or experience do I need to volunteer?

You don’t need any specialized skills to volunteer. Our volunteers come from a diverse range of backgrounds, professions and ages with a wide range of skills and experiences. From students to retirees, refugees, professionals and people looking for work, volunteering is open to everyone. Find out more about volunteering with Oxfam Canada here.

Why does Oxfam use volunteers?

Throughout Oxfam Canada’s history, voluntary activity has been a hallmark of the way that we undertake our work. Voluntarism is part of our commitment to community engagement. It also makes a massive contribution to our work capacity. Find out more about volunteering with Oxfam Canada here.

How can I participate in Oxfam’s campaigning events?

Oxfam campaigns for changes that will make the world safer and more just for its poorest and most vulnerable people. Working with a global team of campaigners and allied organizations and partners, we are currently campaigning in these main areas: food and climate change; safety and dignity when affected by conflict and disaster; extreme economic inequality; and tax on the financial sector. For more information on Oxfam Canada campaigns, please Get Involved and take action now.